A Discussion on Alternative Reimbursement Schemes and Healthcare Utilization in Turkey (Türkiye Özelinde Alternatif Ödeme Sistemlerinin Sağlık Hizmet Sunumuna Etkileri)

Abstract

Alternative options in provider reimbursement schemes are being considered to reform the Turkish healthcare system. Recently a prospective payment method based on diagnosis-related groups is offered as a reimbursement alternative for inpatient treatments. Since hospitals have the largest share in total healthcare spending, any reform in hospital reimbursement schemes should be evaluated carefully due to its overall impact on total healthcare expenditure in Turkey.

This paper reviews the existing reimbursement schemes in Turkey, and provides a detailed discussion on the prospective payment method based on diagnosis-related groups and its impact on cost efficiency in inpatient treatments. The paper suggest a mixed system as an alternative to either system in achieving efficiency and controlling costs in Turkish hospital markets.

Keywords: provider reimbursement, Turkey, health reform

JEL Classification: I10, I18